Music Lane

Posted by musetap (A) on May 05, 2023 at 12:55:29

Just shy of 81 years of age, Taj Mahal has released another gem (following last year's Grammy
winning and absolutely wonderful Get on Board with Ry Cooder), is on the road (again? still?)
and continues to delight with his smokey vocals, joyful good vibes and heartfelt musicianship.

And that ENERGY of his. What energy in a dazzling career that has never been short of it.

Savoy is a living tribute to the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem (1926-1958) where Mr. Fredericks'
parents met in 1938 four years before he was born. There isn't a tune here you haven't heard before
(likely many different versions) or shouldn't be familiar with, but the performances (and especially
arrangements (by John Simon) here are particularly engaging and... compelling and incredibly
refreshing on what they add to what we (seemingly) know so well.

Recorded live in an Oakland studio with top notch Bay Area Talent, the songs naturally swing
and flow, sound fresh and vibrant and... REAL. No tempered, slick, artificial attempts at nostalgia
here like in far too many "tributes" to the genre over the years.

This due to the respect, fun and languid swing done by a rhythm section (Simon on piano)
and small horn team akin to more to an ace jump blues group, then, say Chick Webb's band.
Not many a moment goes by that The Savoy's motto "The Home of Happy Feet" strays.

Just Great Stuff, Mr. Mahal is in top vocal form and harp on "Killer Joe"? Too cool.

The version of "Baby it's Cold Outside" makes Ray Charles and Betty Carter's
seem completely innocent.

Also, the sound on this CD is FANTASTIC and it is certainly an "audiophile" recording
without being contrived as such.

Any downside? Maybe the hoaky cover.... just don't judge the content within on it.

"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure

Edits: 05/05/23